The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-10-13
TOM PLATT REPUBLICANS.
The Pitiable Condition of the Republican
Party of the Empire State.

The Pitiable Condition of the Republican
Party of the Empire State.
A study of the Republican party and
its policy in the State for a year or
more past reveals with startling dis
tlnctneSS the power that can be welded
by one bad man in shaping the course
OF party that numbers among its
membership great many men active
In its counsels who are vastly superior
in point of intelligence, integrity and
honor to the winner on the political
checker-board. The fact that this man
occasionally steals man from the
checker-board. and INDUCES in other
discreditable tricks to win does not
seem to imperil his position in the
party or to bring upon him the con-
domination that his venal course would
seem to demand. These thoughts are
suggested by a contemplation of the
com bination of circumstances that
forced the Republican State Committee
to suit the ends of one man,
that placed Fred. d. Grant at
the head of the State ticket
in order to quiet him on &C
count of his rejection by Republican
Senate for the office of Quarantine
Commissioner; that placated and
brought into line an exhibited States
Senator. All this and more has been
accomplished through the shrewd ma
nipulation of Thomas c. Platt. now an
official uSuper and an impatient defer
of the Safe under its constitution by
holding in opposition to public senti-
ment a prominent office for years be-
yOnd the time for which he was APP
pointed. To do this he had to own Il
Republican Senate, and he owned it,
and used it to defeat Colonel Grant so
that he might remain in control of the
Quaran tine Department. In order to
quiet the press and the defeated candi-
dates. he promised Colonel Grant that
he should be placed at the head of the
State ticket. In order to deliver the
goods he was compelled to own State
convention, and he owned it and de-
livered the goods; Colonel Grant is the
candidate for Secretary of State, and
when he is defeated, rs defeated he
will be, he will be only one of Tom
Platt's victims upon the PROSTATE
form of which he will climb to higher
planes of influence and political power.
These are but means to an end.
While there is much to be gained in
influence, rs well as in pelf through
holding on to the quarantine office,
Mr.. Platt considers it of minor i'm
portance only so far as it will aid him
to gain control of the delegation of
New York in the National convention |
of 1888. This is only a portion of the
story told in substance by that power
full Republican journal. the New York
Times, paper that does not propose
to be controlled by party policy as
formulated and represented by Tom"
Pla tt and his satellites Recognizing
the hand of Platt in the control of all |
the party gatherings, the Times con-
cludes as follows:
ut is plain that this is 10 be Platt
canvass, and that party success this
year means a Platt Legislature and |
prestige for Platt as leader which will |
give him control of the delegation in
the National convention whose prefer
ence will be deemed of the highest inn
portance. 1t is possible that this is
what the Republicans of the State
VI ant. but whether it is or not it should
be distinctly understood that it is what
is presented for their acceptance. 1t
is possible that the harmony which
prevails among the politicians does
not pervade the rank and file of the
party. 1t is pretty certain that it will
excite enthusiasm. There is no pretense
that the Republican party, with Platt
at his head. and with its organization
subject to his will, can command the
support of majority of the people of
the State. Its only hope is in the
Labor party, and the members of the
latter should realize that the only re-
suit that can be looked for from their
support of an Independent ticket is
the triumph of Plat and Plattism.
Meantime, self-respecting Republic
ans can derive little comfort from the
part they are expected to play in this
"-Bufa'o ~. ~ Times.